COLOMBIA: RESPONSE ON CIVIL NUCLEAR TRADE PROMOTION

UNCLAS BOGOTA 004479 SIPDIS T FOR MHUMPHREY; COMMERCE FOR SLOPP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO PGOV CO SUBJECT: COLOMBIA: RESPONSE ON CIVIL NUCLEAR TRADE PROMOTION REF: STATE 127423 ¶1. The following information is keyed to reftel request for information on Colombia's developments regarding civil nuclear energy and future plans in the sector. Plans/Motivations for Development of Nuclear Power -------------- -------------- ¶2. According to officials at the Ministry of Mines and Energy as well as Colombia's Institute of Geology and Mining (Ingeominas),Colombia has no plans to develop nuclear power generation capacity. Ingeominas has received a few license requests from companies interested in uranium mining. Colombia has focused on hydroelectric power for more than 70 percent of its generation capacity and has authorized the construction of six more hydro plants by 2018. Colombia is also exploring renewable energy prospects such as wind, solar and geothermal, as well as more efficient gas-fired generation plants. Government Role in Financing Nuclear Power -------------- ¶3. Ministry of Mines and Energy Nuclear Affairs Director Jorge Vallejo told us that if Colombia decided to develop civil nuclear power generation, he expected the GOC would focus on serving as a regulator of private-financed projects. Civil Nuclear Decisionmakers -------------- ¶4. Colombia's Office of Nuclear Affairs, headed by Jorge Vallejo, is housed in the Ministry of Mines and Energy and consists of four staff members. The Office reports to Director of Energy Andres Enrique Taboada, who in turn reports to Minister of Mines and Energy Hernan Martinez Torres. Ingeominas, headed by Director General Mario Ballesteros, is a separate agency responsible for issues related to mining and handling of radioactive materials, including uranium. Within Ingeominas, Fernando Mosos serves as Director of Nuclear Security. Ingeominas, through Director General Ballesteros, reports to the Minister of Mines and Energy. Existing Nuclear Regulatory Authority -------------- ¶5. The Ministry of Mines and Energy serves as Colombia's nuclear regulatory and policy making authority. Ingeominas has primary responsibility for implementing regulatory requirements through its Nuclear Security Office headed by Fernando Mosos. Domestic Nuclear Liability Law -------------- ¶6. Colombia does not have a nuclear liability law. Nevertheless, Colombia does have a series of laws and regulations covering management of radioactive materials, including their importation, use, and transport in country. Colombia is also a signatory to all major international treaties and agreements related to nuclear security. Local Manufacture of Nuclear Products/Services -------------- - ¶7. According to Jorge Vallejo, Colombia's manufacturing sector could potentially supply the majority of non-sensitive elements required for the construction of nuclear generation plant. However, sensitive high technology components would most likely need to be imported to meet quality and security standards. Nuclear-Trained Workforce -------------- ¶8. Colombia has a wide base of engineering, technicians and builders that could participate in the physical construction of a civil nuclear power generation facility, but has very few people qualified to handle the operational aspects of nuclear power generation. According to Colombian government officials, any such project in the future would have to be preceded by a comprehensive training and development program in order to have a sufficiently trained workforce. Opportunities for U.S. Industry/Foreign Competitors -------------- -------------- ¶9. Colombia has no nuclear-related contract tenders at present nor plans to issue any in the foreseeable future. Post is aware of no companies involved in pursuing civil nuclear projects in Colombia and, in the near term, sees no opportunities for the U.S. or international nuclear energy industry in country. NICHOLS NNNN